Category: Appetizer

Have you ever watched videos about Pyrex dishes exploding? It’s intense. I haven’t had one shatter [thankfully!], but I don’t usually bake with glass. If you do use Pyrex and have no idea what I’m talking about, it might be worth looking into.

That ends your PSA for the day.

Now on to buffalo chicken dip! Frank’s Red Hot is a really bizarre flavor. I like it and feel weirdly addicted to it when it’s around [which is next to never]. I think it’s that vinegar bite. I cringe almost instantly and then settle in for that spicy flavor. The idea of putting it in a dip with a cream-style base mellows out the vinegar just enough that I want to just eat it by the spoonful. That happened a lot.

The base really doesn’t have any cheese in it even though it looks like it. It was magic. It’s all that “cheeze” or cheese-like stuff. It’s actually kind of close — closer than any of the other fake cheese things I’ve tried. I wanted something that I could eat a ton of without worrying about the effects of it. When you’re eating it like a soup, I really didn’t need a bunch of cream. The chicken is also optional, but totally a nice addition. Give me all the protein! I used shredded, but looking back, I’d probably use ground chicken next time. The consistency of the dip can be a little thin, and it was really not all that easy to scoop out the mixture and pull out equal parts chicken and “cheeze.” Speaking of dipping, the celery was challenging. Maybe less so had I used the ground chicken. Chopping it up into the dip would be cool, too. The blue cheese would have been a stellar addition, but would have rendered it full of dairy. I should have served it on the side. WHAT WAS I THINKING?

Preparation

Add all of the ingredients up to the Ranch dressing mix to a blender or food processor. Start with a cup of water. Blend until smooth. Continue to add more water to your desired consistency. I used a full 2 cups of water, which is why mine ended up so runny. I’d use less next time.

I’ve become a fennel fanatic lately. I had my nose glued to a star anise candle today. My sister gave me that “you’ve lost it” look that sisters can give. I came across this recipe for a fennel and radish salad that I have to make IMMEDIATELY [which really means on April 16th because we all know I’m only eating catered meals at the office until then]. Fennel is just so dang refreshing.

Mixing fennel and white beans in dip form [because what other form is there…] makes a great hummus alternative. Adding a boatload of parmesan and roasted garlic really tie everything together. Roasting fennel mellows out that bright anise flavor and sweetens it up. No one knows it’s in there really, so if you’re a fennel hater we can’t be friends you’ll be just fine. It blends into your white bean base that really just is your creaminess. White beans take on whatever flavor you want it to. My favorite part might have been the crispy parmesan pieces that baked to the dish. I’m one of those people. Plain ol’ pita chips work like a champ here or crudite or a spoon. You get the idea. This is definitely my new go-to dip assuming I have time to roast the fennel.

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 400°. Line a baking sheet with parchment, foil, or a Silpat. Roughly dice the fennel bulb from the white to the light pale green. Keep the fronds for garnish. Toss the fennel and the garlic cloves in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and spread out on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast for 3o minutes. The fennel will be crisp on the edges.

In the bowl of a food processor, add the white beans, shredded parmesan, the fennel, and the garlic cloves with the skin removed. Pulse to get the mixture started before adding the lemon juice, rosemary, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and 1/3 cup of olive oil. Pulse it all together until it’s a thick puree. Add more olive oil if for consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the mixture into a oven proof dish. Top with more parmesan and bake for 15-20 minutes with the oven temperature increased to 450°. The cheese will be hot and bubbly, browning on the edges. Top with a drizzle of olive oil and the fennel fronds before serving.

I made this on NYE and it’s almost April. Slow and steady wins the race.

I’ve seen grissini pop up a fair bit lately, on Food52 more specifically, which reminded me of these. Those aren’t the ones I made, but they’re similar. They disappeared rather quickly at the NYE party, which is the highest compliment. I don’t want need to be told they’re awesome. Just eat. When they disappear, I’ll know.

They’re easy and difficult all at the same time. They come together almost too easy. It’s a simple dough. The rise time is next to nothing, so you can totally make them right before you’re walking out the door. I’m living proof. The only thing that was really a challenge for me was actually forming the dough. It was really a lot more dry and tough than I was expecting. They took forever to get to a reasonable length and more than one tore but I just pieced it back together. “A more rustic look,” I’d say. The sprinkling of parmesan and black pepper hides any deformity, and let’s be real, they taste good so no one cares. Rolling them out reminded me of my Play-Doh days. I probably wasn’t very good at it then either.

Preparation

In a small saucepan on low heat, melt the butter into the milk. You only want it slightly warm to the touch. Remove from the heat and pour it into a separate bowl to be safe. You’ll add the yeast next and don’t want to risk the hot pan overheating it. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 10 minutes. It’ll start to foam on the top, so you’ll know it’s working.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and you pinch of salt. Add the cooled milk mixture to the flour and mix it together with a large spoon or your hands. It’ll be a dry, shaggy mess until it ultimately forms a ball.

Turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for about five minutes. The dough will be smooth on the outside. Place the dough back in the bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it rise for 30 minutes.

When your time is up, preheat the oven to 350° and prep your baking sheets. Either grease them or lay down a Silpat. Split the dough into 24 equal pieces. I measured them because I’m a bit type-a, but as long as you get close you’ll be fine. Roll them out into long, skinny sticks. Place them on your prepared baking sheet with a little distance between them. Brush each stick with the egg wash and then sprinkle them with the parmesan cheese and fresh cracked pepper. Use your fingers to get as much parmesan to stick as possible.

Bake for about 15 minutes. They should be crispy and golden brown, the cheese especially. Let them cool before removing them from the pan. They’ll harden as they cool giving them more of a crunch.

Eating the baked on cheese off your Silpat is sort of optional, but it’s really not something to be missed.

It has been suggested that I make something gluten-free (“GF”). My sister partakes in the diet, as do several friends. If you’ve been here for any length of time, you know that I’m a gluten fan. I don’t always eat it, but it’s never a conscious thing.

I should go back through and re-tag things as GF–start a new category for those of you who really want to get down on it. Since I certainly don’t specialize, I do follow several blogs who do, or at least do way more often than me. Here are a few of my favorites:

And just because I don’t want to disappoint, this gem was made for New Years. It’s also conveniently GF. Coincidence? I think not. I’d really prefer to call this “straight to your ass” dip or “what New Years resolutions?” dip, but it doesn’t quite roll off the tongue. I have a ridiculous soft spot for Velveeta. I have a hard time calling it cheese when it’s shelf stable and in the candy aisle, but I have zero qualms downing its melty goodness. It’s its preferred form [I have it on good authority that it makes great fishing bait in its solid form]. I grew up on Velveeta mac. I have been known to melt cubes of it in chili. This, however, is best of both worlds.

It would be great for whatever football game you’re watching, or a party where you want to watch everyone stare at it with a side eye, not wanting to be the one digging into a vat full of cheese. Don’t worry, you won’t bringing any home. People eventually give in to temptation. This bowl was practically clean when I left the NYE party. Now that is embracing the new year.

Preparation

Brown the ground beef with the cumin and chili powder in a splash of olive oil in a large skillet with high walls or a Dutch oven. Drain and set aside. Add the cubes of Velveeta to the same pan, stirring often until it melts. It’ll burn if you don’t stir it. No one wants burnt Velveeta. Add the chile verde salsa, green chilies and tomatoes. Don’t drain the tomatoes. You want the liquid to help thin out the dip. Stir to combine. Add the the Monterey Jack cheese and ground beef. Stir until all cheese is melted. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving. Serve warm. It may thicken too much as it cools. Reheat as necessary to maintain the liquid cheesy goodness.

It’s totally grilling season — or at minimum, eat outside season. I have a small balcony off the second floor of the house. It’s completely covered in shade by the time noon rolls around, so it has to be a warm day to feel remotely comfortable [if you’re me, anyway; I’m always cold]. I try to get out there as much as possible, even if it means running all bundled up to the grill to flip things and to get back inside. I’m hardcore.

This has been on my to-do list since I got my hands on The Sprouted Kitchen cookbook, and finally and the tomatoes are started to look better at the store fridge. Who doesn’t want to eat 8oz of feta in a single sitting? I mean, c’mon [I split it with Andrew, promise]. It’s like this was practically made for me. Grilling the feta, which is really nestled inside a foil packet with the rest of the goodies, just gets it warm and toasty. It holds its shape despite being super hot and soft [I’m sure there is a joke in here somewhere]. The foil method makes for tricky plating between the heat and all the juices.

I ended up just opening it and digging right in with light rye crackers. I couldn’t help myself. I didn’t want to try my hand at hot foil and trying to slide the contents into a bowl. If you want, you should definitely try Smitten Kitchen’s method in the oven. Way less mess, but way less grill involved. I paired this with some tandoori marinated chicken thighs from the fridge mostly because I needed something quick and easy to go on the grill, and because it’s delicious. I like good things, what can I say?

Preparation

Preheat your grill to a medium heat; you’ll want it around 400°. In a large bowl, toss together the tomatoes, olives, onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, olive oil, and some cracked pepper. Set aside.

Get a large piece of tinfoil, and place the brick of feta cheese in the middle of it. Pour the tomato mixture on top of the cheese. Fold up the the foil into a packet so it doesn’t leak all over. Put it straight on the grill for 15 minutes. Smell the deliciousness.

Use caution when removing the hot packet. Eat with chips/crackers of choice.

They’re my favorite food group next to vegetables [I’m not joking]. I used to buy loaves of fresh French bread, bring it home, and eat it in a sitting. I guess that’s kind of like how I’m taking single slices of Dave’s Killer Sprouted Good Seed Bread to work to eat a snack. Plain. Untoasted. I definitely got the, “What ARE you eating?” at one point this week. You’d think after nearly nine years, they’d be used to my quirks by now.

Pretzel anything is also kind of a weakness. If it’s got a pretzel bun, I’m probably ordering it. I’ve had more than my fair share of crappy concession ones. I don’t want that weird sludgy cheese sauce either. Ew.

I’ve had these carb delights bookmarked ever since Adrianna at A Cozy Kitchen posted them. It marries together two of my favorite things—pretzels and tots. They both sustain my love for mustard, too. They’re both vehicles for each other. Following the recipe to a tee, you think you’re making a lot, but you’re wrong. They disappear really, really quickly. Too fast really. You’ll eat what you’re given, and then wish for more. Dipping them in mustard really isn’t optional.

Since I followed the recipe exactly, you should really just pop over here.

Eileen at Ham Pie Sandwiches and her husband came through Portland this weekend, so of course we went out for dinner and drinks. It was a really awesome surprise on all accounts. She’s just as awesome in person, if not more so because she brought me a sack of lemons from her tree. I always accept bribes. Always. I clung to the bag for dear life throughout the evening. No one was stealing my lemons. No one.

We ended up eating at Grüner because everyone loves German food. Even if you think you don’t, you do. Trust me. If you went here, you’d find something you’d love. I hadn’t ever been to dinner there before, but I’ve loved lunch every time I’ve gone. Happy hour was kind of meh, but I’m not really a happy hour kind of person anyway. Because we took zero photos, as usual [the lighting was terrible, I swear], you can pretend you’re looking at a nice glass of gamay and their jägerschnitzel dish — breaded veal cutlets in a chanterelle and hedgehog mushroom cream sauce, mustard seed spätzle, and spiced red cabbage. De-freakin’-licious. It’s a good thing I had social obligations or I probably would have inhaled it in about three minutes.

Drinks were had next door at their bar, Kask. All I can say is Negroni Flip. Think Negroni creamsicle thanks to traditional Negroni ingredients + a whole egg. It was out of this world.

Seriously such a fun evening out.

In other news, I hope you enjoyed any hand egg festivities you took part in. I went to my parents’ house for their food, not for the football. I couldn’t have cared less. If you showed empty handed, I highly suggest you keep these ingredients around for the impromptu appetizer to take somewhere or if you’re having people over. I took it to a friend’s house for dinner last weekend, and it was perfect for smothering on baguette or crackers. I used to leftovers on toast with a fried egg. Since the artichokes cut down on the saltiness of the olives, it’s not too overpowering. It’s subtle, but still rich and decadent.

Ingredients

Preparation

Peel and smash the garlic clove. Toss everything into a food processor or blender, streaming the oil in at the end. Process until it’s all a nice uniform consistency. Serve immediately or store in the fridge until needed.

The foundations for the southeast Asia trip have been started, I finally upgraded my phone, and I made and eaten a whole lot of awesome today. I. Am. Pumped. Oh, and it was sunny. It didn’t get above freezing, but that is absolutely beside the point. To see sun on the first of January, it’s a beautiful thing. Vitamin D is a total commodity at this point.

So these are goodies I brought to Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve was just low-maintenance sandwich, cheese, crackers, and dips/chips kinds of stuff. That way no one has to slave over the stove two days in a row. I love it. It’s why I brought the salad and these apricots. We’ve turned Christmas day into a Mexican feast instead of Thanksgiving – Part II. Cue the coconut custard pie [which I’ll post soon!]. It’s like flan, but y’know, not. I can’t help but bring something new to the table most years while everyone else brings the usual goods. It’s an excuse to make new things. Speaking of, things I didn’t get to make but wanted to: Superfood Haute Chocolate, Chocolate Dipped Spicy Gingersnaps, Coconut Chai Coffee Cake, and Roasted Red Pepper & Bacon Goat Cheese Truffles. Someday. There is seriously too much food, so little time [which is exactly how I feel about travel].

So about these apricots — they’re supposed to be made with marcona almonds, which are a softer, sweeter, Spanish variety than the ones you’re used to seeing/eating, but they were out of them at both stores I went to. I substituted regular ones, and while good, I would highly suggest going out of your way for marcona. I can only imagine how absolutely perfect they would be with the creamy tang of goat cheese, and the sweetness of the apricot and honey. Regular almonds are pretty dang crunchy. I’m pretty sure I ate most of them that night, but that’s nothing new. It’s why I bring things like this to parties. I eat them like it is my job. Because it is. Sorta.

Preparation

Make sure you have enough apricots as you do almonds. I had 30. Tracy at Shutterbean had 40. There is more than enough goat cheese for these amounts. Mix the basil into the goat cheese. Pipe little balls of the cheese onto the apricots with an icing bag [or make one!]. Top each with an almond. Make a mess Drizzle with the honey within an hour of serving.

I didn’t have a smoothie for breakfast this morning. It’s sort of freaking me out. I’ve been drinking smoothies almost non-stop since I bought my beloved Vitamix, but I didn’t get a chance to go to the store yesterday.

I dug around in the fridge [the actual one in the kitchen] and the pantry this morning in a mild panic. I’m pretty sure I was growing hungrier by the minute, as if that’s fair. Thanks body. Thanks for helping me out by thinking you’re going to starve. I found enough stuff to make the most boring oatmeal of all time, but I’m eating that for lunch. That’s kind of overkill, right?

I ended up reheating a chunk of black bread that was still in the freezer since January. This is why I don’t freeze things. I completely forget about them for 10 months. It was freezer burn free much to my surprise, and really, really good, too. A chunk of that, a couple small slices of Parmesan cheese, and a few Kalamata olives. How European. Ha. It’s been about two hours and I’m not starving…yet. I still feel weird without a smoothie. Security blanket much? That and I keep tasting Kalamata olives. Pairs perfect with mediocre office coffee, right?

This dip isn’t really about making anything. It’s about stirring things together. Perfect for when you’re running out the door to a friend’s house to watch a game. I do love an excuse to buy a baguette.

Ingredients

Preparation

Cut off as much of the rind on the brie as possible. Mix the now soft cheese into your serving container. I like to get it to a soft pliable consistency before adding the tapenade. It spreads better that way. Add the tapenade and chopped basil. Stir well. It keeps well in the fridge, but allow to come to room temperature before serving. It’s soft and spreadable that way. Perfect for that baguette!

My friend Jenny and I have a long standing tradition of going on a ‘not a date’ once a month or so when our schedule allows to catch up and pick a restaurant on the never-ending list of awesome spots on the city that we haven’t tried yet. It’s a win-win, and we rarely have a bad meal.

Tonight we made a stop at Olympic Provisions, at their NW location. It’s touted as rustic European-inspired fare. You know I’m all about that. I wish I would have taken photos. I really should start carrying my camera around more. I eat way too much good stuff on a regular basis. I started with a glass of Cantine Tintero Rosso from…you guessed it…Italy. You guys, I’m hooked. I can’t be stopped. This was a beautiful blend of Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Dolcetto. It was by far one of the best reds by the glass I’ve had from a restaurant. Most places usually head toward a Chianti or a Sangiovese, which aren’t bad, but I definitely prefer any of the others. We split a bunch of things because that’s what we do. So glad that our tastes are similar.

It was unreal how good all this stuff was. I couldn’t find fault in anything, except maybe ordering too much as usual. That’s not their fault. It’s mine. They make their own salami, and that Italian board was to die for. I could eat meat, cheese, and pickles all day. No problem.

And avocado hummus. I could eat that all day, too[Awesome transition for the win!].

This was a last minute ‘lets-bring-something-tasty-to-a-dinner-gathering-that-isn’t-a-bottle-of-wine-even-though-that’s-coming-too.’ It was pretty much devoured, which always makes me feel good.